Australia’s Most Prestigious Art Prize for Women is Now Open

The Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize, the highest-valued art prize for women in Australia, is a testament to the transformative power of women’s creativity.

In 2023, the 7th Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize broke previous records, receiving a staggering 2042 entries – nearly two and a half times more than the Archibald Prize. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the Prize’s steadfast commitment to recognising the contributions of women artists and the overwhelming support it has garnered from artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Last year alone, three of the Ravenswood Art Prize finalists were also finalists in the 2023 Archibald Prize, one in the 2023 Wynne Prize, and another finalist in the 2023 Solomon Prize. Additionally, two of our women finalists have won the Archibald Prize, in 2014 and 2018.

The entries for the 8th annual Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize opened on the 14th of November to women artists over the age of 18 from across Australia.

As the highest value professional artist prize for women in Australia, Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize offers an impressive prize pool exceeding $45,000, divided across three categories:

$35,000 Professional Artist Prize
$5,000 Indigenous Emerging Artist Prize
$5,000 Emerging Artist Prize

There is also a 2,000 People’s Choice Award, plus a $500 Art Pack on offer.

The Indigenous Emerging Artist Prize stands as the nation’s sole art prize exclusively dedicated to Indigenous emerging women artists.

The 2024 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize will be announced on Opening Night on Friday, 10 May 2024. Artwork judging is overseen by a panel of esteemed judges led by Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize Patron and acclaimed artist Jade Oakley. With 25 years of artistic experience, sculptor and public artist Jade creates artworks that connect communities to their environments. Jade creates delicate, joyful artworks in her studio practice which are adapted to become enduring public artworks. Prestigious public art commissions both in Australia and internationally include clients such as Westfield, Lend Lease, Mirvac, Woolworths, local councils and The Royal Children’s Hospital.

The Art Prize draws artists from every Australian state and territory, representing Australia’s diverse artistic landscape.

‘As a School, we are extremely proud to be hosting and overseeing the Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize. The Prize reflects the School’s passion and commitment to women’s education and empowerment,’ says Mrs Anne Johnstone, Principal at Ravenswood School For Girls.

‘This generous Art Prize is our contribution to advance Australia’s talented women artists, providing them with greater opportunities for recognition and career development. We believe it will enhance the visibility and significance of art careers for current and emerging Australian women artists, and hopefully inspire future generations of artists as well.’

The 2023 Ravenswood Art Prize winners were:

Sydney-based artist Maria-Fernanda Cardoso claimed the prestigious Professional Artist Prize for her masterful artwork, Actual Size V (Maratus Madelineae), securing the title of the winner of Australia’s highest-value professional artist prize for women.
Hailing from Melbourne, Alethea Richter won the Emerging Artist Prize with her captivating silkscreen artwork, Untitled (Dissolution1).
Freyja Fristad, a Wiradjuri artist, received the honour of the Indigenous Emerging Artist Prize for her creation, Interference of Perception: Rhopography (Lamp).
Louise Zhang secured the People’s Choice Award in 2023 for her artwork, Lucheng (One Part of Home).

Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize extends its heartfelt appreciation to proud partners Marshall. Chan. Yahl, Trippas White Group, R.M Williams Outback, Active Networks, the Tritton Family, the Reed Family Foundation, Ms Edwina Palmer, The Arts Scene, Buildcorp, Clarke Murphy Print, The Greengate Hotel, EPM Projects, Derivan, Kelvin Hall Floral Design and Optus, for their unwavering support of the Prize, women artists and the arts sector.

Stay up-to-date with the 2024 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize by visiting the website ravenswoodartprize.nsw.edu.au or by joining our Facebook and Instagram communities, where you can also delve into the inspiring works of previous finalists from past years.